The main goal is to identify and propagate seaweed strains that grow faster, tolerate heat, salinity shifts, disease, and changing ocean conditions, while also meeting farm and market needs such as high biomass, nutrient content, or specific compounds.
From a regulatory perspective, there is growing concern about responsible sourcing, biosecurity, and the avoidance of harm to natural populations. UNU-CRIS will guide how good practice guidance emphasizes the use of local best practices, monitoring, and long-term sustainability.
This workshop forms part of a broader effort to develop a policy brief providing clear, science-based guidelines to support the regulation of seaweed breeding and strain selection for use in marine aquaculture and restoration projects at the national level, with a focus on kelp in temperate waters.
